Seasonal Allergy or Cold?

If you are experiencing sneezing, nasal congestion or coughing, the first thing that will go through your head is that you have a cold, but these also might be signs of allergies. By learning the differences between allergies and colds, you will be able to treat these problems much faster.

 

What is a cold?

The common cold, also known as cold, is one of the most common conditions that is caused by a virus. Unfortunately, there are many viruses responsible for the occurrence of the common cold, and while the symptoms and degree of severity differ, colds generally have the same characteristics:

 

We get the cold from a virus transmitted through coughing or sneezing;

  • Besides coughing and sneezing, other cold symptoms include clogged nose, the secretions of the nasal mucous membrane or the soreness in the throat;
  • Recovery is usually quick, taking up to 7 to 10 days;
  • If the symptoms last for more than a week or two, the virus could be a serious infection, a sinus infection, pneumonia or bronchitis:
  • People suffering from allergies are more prone to colds;

 

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to certain substances. When exposed to allergens, the immune system eliminates a chemical called histamine, a process that causes allergy symptoms.

 

Allergies and colds have some common symptoms such as:

 

  • Sneezing;
  • Soughing;
  • nasal congestion;
  • Wet eyes.

 

Seasonal allergens such as certain trees, grass and pollen are the most common triggers, but you can be allergic to other substances even throughout the year.

 

Other trigger allergies are:

 

  • Mites;
  • Animal hair or saliva;
  • Certain foods such as nuts, milk, eggs or peanuts.

 

Cold vs. allergy: How to see the differences

In order to find out whether it is an allergy or a cold, it is very important to pay attention to the symptoms you notice. Generally, colds come with fatigue, pain, sore throat and fever, while allergies cause eye itching, wheezing, and itching of the skin such as urticaria or eczema.

 

The period of the year. This can give us clues about the causes of the symptoms. The chances are much higher for a cold in the winter, though you may experience it during summer as well. Allergies can also occur at any time of the year, but pollen allergies often occur in the spring months. Grass allergies are common in summer.

 

The duration of the symptoms. Another way you can tell whether you are experiencing an allergy or cold is the duration of the symptoms. A cold usually goes away in a week, while allergies only improve if they are treated or if the trigger is eliminated. Seasonal allergies tend to cause symptoms for two or even three weeks.




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